focus – Page 4 – Godinterest

December 14, 2021December 14, 2021

Focus On Jesus

What They Did To Jesus They Will Do To You

Have you ever asked these questions? “I’ve been a Christian nearly my whole life, but I’m constantly disappointed in myself. Why is it that I always seem to keep doing the things I wish I didn’t do and never seem to do the things I know I should do? Isn’t God getting tired of me?”

That’s a common struggle that even the apostle Paul experienced in Romans 7:15. I believe many who ask these questions are caught in the discouragement trap. But here’s some good news: we don’t have to stay in that trap of discouragement. To paraphrase Paul as he writes in Romans 8, the key is to stop focusing on the law and start focusing on Jesus. Hallelujah!

Remember the law, or us, can’t do anything about our sinfulness. The answer is not to try harder to be good at keeping rules – that’s the beginning of the discouragement trap. Instead, we must focus on the One who shows us mercy and loves us regardless and cooperate with the Spirit who changes us. Focusing on the law, will constantly remind us that we’ll never be good enough to deserve God’s grace.

Today focus on Jesus, and we’ll become more like Him, and will trade discouragement for encouragement and receive the freedom that Jesus brings.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I sometimes get caught in the cycle of trying harder to be good, failing, getting discouraged, and giving up. Help me Lord, to depend on Your grace and to draw near to You, so that You can change my heart. God, I’m so sorry for putting the law above You which has allowed me to live by works and not Your grace. Today I choose to focus on Jesus and trade my discouragement for encouragement. In His name I pray! Amen.

December 9, 2021December 9, 2021

As We End 2021 Switch To Praise

After dealing with 4 deaths in 4 days I have concluded this is a hard season. We all face challenges and obstacles. We all have dreams in our hearts, and at times, it looks like they may not come to pass. When this happens, we have a choice. We can get negative and discouraged and talk about how things are not going to work out, or we can switch over into praise and thanksgiving, which confuses the enemy and will opens the door by faith for God to move on our behalf.

People say, “I’ll have a good attitude as soon as I get over this health issue.” “I’ll give God praise when I get through these tough times.” But that’s not how faith works. As long as we’re negative, discouraged and focused on our problems, it limits what God can do. Faith says “You’ve got to give God praise first, and then the breakthrough will come as God wills it. ”You’ve got to change your focus first, and then things will change in your favour. Praise always precedes the victory.

Today, if you’ve been dwelling on what’s wrong and focusing on the wrong direction, switch into praise and thanksgiving. Begin to declare that God is good all the time! Declare that He is faithful. Declare His praises and open the door to victory in every area of your life!

“Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines…yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17–18, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I come before You, lifting You up and magnifying Your holy name. Father, this is a hard season for many with financial issues, loneliness and deaths. God, despite life’s challenges I praise and lift You up, and I thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. By faith I praise You today for all You have done and will do. I bless You and honour You for Your goodness, in Christ’ name. Amen!

November 25, 2021November 25, 2021

Thanksgiving Pt4 – A Thanksgiving Message!

On this thanksgiving day in the US, take time to reflect and give thanks to God for all of His blessings in your life. Whether you are eating turkey or pies, playing games with your family, watching T.V, or visiting friends or family, remember to take time to focus on God’s goodness. Count your blessings and notice all the grace, favour and love that God has given you.

If you’re not American the Bible says we too should give thanks. Psalm 95:2 says to “come before His presence with thanksgiving…shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” This scripture reminds us that we don’t have to wait for a day to give thanks, we should do it always. No matter the circumstances in your life, give thanks and praise to God for all that He has done.

Today, remember how good God is and that His love will endure forever. The Bible says that you show your love and real thanks to God through your actions toward other people. Reach out to those around you today who may not have family, friends or food. Share His love and forgiveness with them. Be thankful you can be a blessing to others!

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, no matter what the circumstances, I always give thanks to You for the blessings in my life. Father, help me find the time to serve others during this busy season and throughout the year. God in doing so, may I draw closer to You, in Christ’ name! Amen.

November 3, 2021November 3, 2021

Worry Be Gone

3 Ways to Make Life Count - One Ordinary Life Lived Well Can Make a BIG Difference

Today, God invites you to give your worries and cares to Him, simply because He loves you!

How do you give Him your cares? First of all, understand that cares show up in your mind. When negative, self-defeating thoughts of worry come, you have to recognise them as cares, and replace them with the Word of God. For example, if you are concerned about a need today, say out loud, “my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory.” If you have fear about something, say out loud, “God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” If you have sickness in your body, declare, “by His stripes I am healed.” As you meditate on the truth, and focus your heart and mind on the Father, those cares and concerns will disappear.

Today, thank Him for giving you peace and joy. Thank Him for working in your life. As you keep an attitude of faith and expectancy, give Him your worries and cares, and get ready for the blessings He has in store for you!

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I come to You today casting all my cares and worries on You. Father, I believe Your Word and trust that You are working on my behalf. God, I give You all of my worries and declare them gone so I can praise and glorify You, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

October 28, 2021October 28, 2021

Live Forward

Have you made the decision to forget the past? Many people don’t fully understand what that means. They wonder, “How can I forget something that’s happened to me?” But one definition of the word forget is to disregard intentionally or to overlook. In other words, you have to choose to disregard your past so that it doesn’t keep you from moving forward. That means the good and the bad. Sometimes our past victories keep us from rising higher as much as past failures. If we don’t let go of the old, we’ll never be able to embrace the new.

Today it doesn’t matter what’s happened in your history, it’s time to forget what lies behind. Make the choice live forward. Trust that God has a better future in store for you. Trust that He’s working behind the scenes on your behalf. As you forget what lies behind and press forward, you’ll move forward. You’ll see increase and blessing and live the abundant life He has in store for you!

“…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead”
(Philippians 3:13, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to forget the past. I don’t want anything to hold me back from what You have in store for my future. I choose forgiveness. I choose peace. Help me, by Your Spirit, to press forward into the life of blessing You have for me in Christ’ name. Amen.

October 26, 2021October 26, 2021

The Greatest Favor

Oftentimes, people set their focus on what God has done in the past — how He parted the red sea, or stopped the sun for Joshua, or fed thousands of people with just a little boy’s small lunch.

Yes, God has performed many amazing miracles throughout history, and it’s important that we give him praise and glory. But at the same time, we also have to look forward to what God wants us to do in our lives today.

In this verse, Paul says that “in the ages to come” God would do things that far supersede anything He’s ever done before. I believe that the “ages to come” that God’s talking about, is this day and time we’re living in right now. God wants to outdo himself in our generation!

Today remember God is a God of increase. Where you are today is not where you are supposed to stay. He has greater levels of His favour and blessing in store for you so dare to dream big! Dare to keep a God-sized vision in front of you! and dare to take hold of every blessing that the Lord has in store for you!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4–7, NKJ)

Pray With Me
Yahweh, thank you for your faithfulness in my life. Today I open my heart and mind to you so that I can see the greatness of what you want to do in my life. Use me for your glory. Thank you for your favour. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

October 21, 2021October 21, 2021

Equipped For The Journey

Realise today, God didn’t make anyone inferior. He didn’t make any person second class. You are a masterpiece! You are fully loaded and totally equipped for the race that’s been designed for your life! Say to yourself “I may not look like someone else, or have the job that someone else has, but that’s okay. Nobody will ever be a better me.”

Growing up, I was the smallest boy in class. I used to want to be tall like some of the others. Did you know that when you compare yourself to others or wish you were like someone else, it’s like saying God didn’t do a good job with you? You’re actually saying, “God, why did You make me sub-par? Why did You make me less than the others?”

Today, let your attitude be, “I’m anointed to be me. I’m equipped to be me!” Remember, it’s easy to do what you are equipped to do. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to be like someone else. Accept who God made you to be, and embrace the good things He has prepared for you!

“I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14, KJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for making me, me. Father, thank You for equipping me so I can fulfil my destiny. God, today, I choose to focus on what You’ve placed in my hand, knowing that as I am faithful to You, You will direct my steps. I bless You and praise You for who You are, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

September 10, 2021September 10, 2021

Totally Equipped

“I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14, KJV)

Let’s Pray

September 6, 2021September 6, 2021

Keeping Up With The Jones

Growing up in the UK, when people bought something new, we used to say that they were trying to “keep up with the Jones’s (trying to compete with your neighbours).” It’s easy to be tempted to go through life competing with everyone around us. When we see someone who’s more talented, better looking or has more gifts, instead of running our race and being comfortable with who we are, oftentimes we feel inferior and think, “I’ve got to catch up to my neighbours and friends.” The problem with this unhealthy competition is that it’s a never-ending cycle.

Did you know there will always be someone ahead of you? But it’s very freeing when you realise, “I’m not in a competition.” I don’t have to have as big a house as my neighbour to feel good about myself. I don’t have to keep up with my co-worker. I don’t have to be a certain size. No, I understand that I’m not in competition with my friend, my neighbour or my co-worker.

Today, say to yourself “I’m going to be the best me that I can possibly be, I’m going to run my own race, I’m going to stay in my lane, I will not compete with anyone.” Now, that’s an attitude God can work with. When you focus on being who God made you to be, that’s when you’ll rise up higher, and position yourself for every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come to You giving You all that I am. Father, help me keep my eyes on You and no one else. Please work on my heart and mind, so I will learn to stay in my lane and run my own race. God, I want You to be my only focus. I want to be free from competition today, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

August 18, 2021August 18, 2021

His Timing

The most difficult thing for me in Christianity is waiting on God. I’ve had to learn that God doesn’t always work on our timetable. He rarely does. But in a single moment, God can change your life! In the Bible, we see God instantly turning things around for His people. Scripture tells us He is the same yesterday, today and forever, which means if He did it for them, He can instantly turn things around for us, too!

Right now You may be going through a difficult trial, be encouraged because your times are in God’s hands. Trust that He has your best interests at heart. He wants to pour out His favour in your life. He wants to take you further than you dreamed possible, and work in your life in ways beyond what you have ever imagined.

Today, resist discouragement by speaking His Word over your future. Keep standing, keep hoping and keep believing, because He is working on your behalf. Have faith because your timings are in His hands, and He will lead you in the amazing life He has for you!

“My times are in Your hand…” (Psalm 31:15, NASB)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, I humbly come before You giving You my all. Father, I trust that my times are in Your hands. I trust that You are working things out in my favour. God, I set my focus on You, knowing that You are working things out for my good, in Christ’ Name! Amen.

August 16, 2021August 16, 2021

Road block

Have you ever felt like every time you try to move forward in something, you hit a roadblock, or something happens that throws you off course? Be encouraged today, because God has gone before you! You may not see it, but He is preparing a way for you. He’s making your crooked places straight. He’s making your rough places smooth. You may be going through a difficult time right now, but it’s not the end, God has a detour around the roadblock, and He has equipped you for this journey!

Remember, don’t focus on your circumstances, focus on the promises of God! Keep speaking words of faith, because God promises to anoint your head with oil. He’ll cause your cup to run over. That means when you seek Him, He will refresh and anoint you to do what He’s called you to do.

Today, keep moving forward despite the roadblock, God can make a way out of no way. Start by checking your attitude. Don’t go around complaining and focusing on the negative side of things. Instead, put on an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Thank Him for removing that blockage and for making your crooked places straight. Keep your eyes on Him and let Him lead you into victory all the days of your life!

“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight…” (Isaiah 45:2, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness in my life. Father, thank You for preparing my path and for making my crooked places straight. God, I give You total permission to remove all the blockages in my life that’s stopping me from moving forward. Restore my soul and lead me in the plan You have for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

August 6, 2021August 6, 2021

Look Beyond The Law

Have you ever asked these questions? “I’ve been a Christian nearly my whole life, but I’m constantly disappointed in myself. Why is it that I always seem to keep doing the things I wish I didn’t do, and never seem to do the things I know I should do? Isn’t God getting tired of me?”

Today, remember, the law, or man, can’t do anything about our sinfulness. The answer is not to try harder to be good at keeping rules – that’s the beginning of the discouragement trap. Focusing on the law alone, will constantly remind us that we’ll never be good enough or deserve God’s grace. Instead, we must focus on the One who shows us mercy, and loves us regardless and cooperate with the Spirit who changes us. Then we will trade discouragement for encouragement and receive the freedom that God brings.

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Romans 7:15

Let’s PrayYahweh, I sometimes get caught in the cycle of trying too hard to be good, failing, getting discouraged, and giving up. Father, help me to depend on Your grace and to draw near to You, so that You can change my heart. God, I’m so sorry for putting the law above Your love which has allowed me to live by works and not Your grace. I choose to focus on Christ, and trade my discouragement for encouragement. In His Name I pray! Amen.

June 30, 2021June 30, 2021

Victory Over Worry

I meet people daily who worry about everything. They worry about the kids, finances, job and even their health. Is there something that you are worrying about today? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life.

Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical body. It affects your sleep. You won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace.

Today stop worrying. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises. As you focus on God’s word, you’ll drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and God given expectancy; and you’ll be empowered to move forward into the life of blessing He has in store for you!

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I choose to put an end to worry in my life. Father, I give You all my worry, stress and anxiety. Please lift them off me today, so that I can be free. I choose to feed my faith by studying Your promises, and declaring them over my life. Help me to have total trust in You today and every day. In Christ’ name. Amen.

June 24, 2021June 24, 2021

Incredible Future

In a sign of things to come, a Swedish train operator is using new technology that employs big data to predict the entire commuter train system two hours into the future.

You may feel right now, like the challenges you face are too big or too overwhelming. We all face challenges. We all have obstacles to overcome. Keep the right attitude and focus, it will help us stay in faith so that we can move forward into victory.

I’ve learned that average people have average problems. Ordinary people have ordinary challenges. But remember, you’re above average and you’re not ordinary. You are extraordinary. God created you and breathed His life into you. You are exceptional, and exceptional people face exceptional difficulties. But the good news is that we serve a super exceptional God!

Today, when you have an incredible problem, instead of being discouraged, you should be encouraged knowing that you’re an incredible person, with an incredible future. Your path is shining bright because of your incredible God! Be encouraged today because your life is on an incredible path. So, keep in faith, keep declaring victory, keep declaring God’s promises over your life because you have an incredible future!

“The path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day…” (Proverbs 4:18, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I lift my eyes to You. Father, I know that You are the One who helps me and has given me an incredible future. God, I choose to stand in faith, knowing that You have an incredible plan in store for me, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

June 14, 2021June 14, 2021

It’s My Emotions

Our emotions are God-given, but too often, people allow their negative circumstances to dictate their emotions instead of the Word of God. If there’s one thing that can lead you away from your God-given potential and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life, it’s your emotions.

If we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, and are moved by what we see and experience, doors of doubt and fear are opened. When we allow doubt and fear in, we become emotionally unstable. The way you feel today has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s always working behind the scenes even if we don’t realise it!

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions. Instead, choose to be stable minded by focusing your thoughts on the Word of God, and being around positive people. Stand strong in God so you can confidently embrace the plans He has for you!

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which guides my feet and lights my path. Father, I choose to meditate on Your truth which is my source of mental strength. God, please help me to be stable minded as I focus on You and Your Word. In Christ’s Name! Amen.

June 7, 2021June 7, 2021

A Strong And Stable Mind

When I was a boy I was always very emotional. I would cry and sulk at the drop of a hat. I would refuse to do things because of how emotional I was. One thing that can lead you away from your potential and seeing the awesome plan God has for your life is your emotions. Emotions are God-given, but too often, people allow their circumstances to dictate their emotions and thoughts, instead of the Word of God.

When we allow our circumstances to dictate our emotions, it opens the door for doubt and fear to come in. If we allow doubt and fear in, we become unstable. Understand this key: the way you feel has little to do with what God is actually doing in your life. He’s working in realms you cannot see, whether you realise it or not!

Today, don’t allow yourself to be tossed around by your emotions any longer. Instead, choose to be stable-minded by focusing your thoughts on the Word and promises of God. Never serve God out of just feelings. Stand strong in Him. Ask God to replace your thinking with His, so you can confidently embrace the plan He has for you!

“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Father, I will meditate on Your truth and promises, which is my source of mental and emotional strength and faith. God, please help me to be steadfast and strong, not doubting, as I set my focus on You, in Christ’s Name! Amen.